China Travel

Though it lies north of the traditional Han Chinese heartland, Beijing has been at the center of China's cultural and political life for the better part of seven centuries. The city gained its prominence in the 13th century AD when it was established by Mongol ruler Kublai Khan as capital of the Yuan Dynasty under the names Khanbaliq (Mongolian for "grand home of the Khan") and Dadu ("great capital"). It was this metropolis that impressed Marco Polo, whose tales of his time i... more >>

The best times to visit Beijing are spring (April and May are nicest) and fall (September and October can be beautiful). Beijing experiences cold, dry and windy winters, with average low January temperatures falling to -8ºC (17ºF). By July, the city's average highs reach a steamy 30ºC (86ºF) as Southeast Asia's monsoon system pushes hot and humid air northward, bringing with it regular rains. Spring and summer also see occasional sandstorms as sand and dust from the Gobi Desert blow into the city. Air pollution often combines with humidity and dust to create a thick smog that blankets the city. However, the city's cle... more >>

Visual artists, musicians and writers from around China—and, increasingly, from around the world—are drawn to Beijing for the same reason European artists flocked to Paris or Americans to New York in the past. The scene is established, but it still has a way to go, as the government continues to loosen restrictions that previously made things like rock shows, experimental theater and poetry punishable offenses. Part of the joy of Beijing today is being in the midst of what may emerge as a cultural boom every bit as impressive as China's economic boom.   Clubs & Bars   There's something for everybody in today... more >>

Beijing's food scene is as rich and varied as the vast country it has ruled for so long. The capital's cuisine boasts a wealth of dishes influenced by centuries of China's eight great culinary traditions. While Beijing Imperial Cuisine and Aristocrat Cuisine were developed for emperors and high officials by the best chefs from around the empire, common Beijingers created their own light snacks and hearty dishes, perfect fuel for a long day's work in either steamy summer heat or bitter winter cold. Unlike the south with its vast rice paddies, Beijing's staple is wheat, frequently made into flour used to make noodles and buns.   Of ... more >>

Established as a tiny fishing community in the Warring States Period (453-221 BC), Shanghai slowly grew into a regional trade center, taking advantage of its access to the Yangzi River and nearby canals. The city stepped onto the global stage in 1842 when the British established a settlement just outside the walled Old City after defeating the Qing in the First Opium War. Concessions to the French, American, and Japanese soon followed, and Shanghai's economy began to boom as foreign investment p... more >>

Shanghai's most comfortable weather occurs from March to early June and September to November. Frequent rain interrupts the days from mid-June to early July. July and August bring hot and humid weather, with daily temperatures regularly soaring well above 30 ºC (86 ºF). The warm days continue through September as the nights begin to cool. Winter is damp and chill, with average temperatures lingering around 0 ºC (32 ºF), though it rarely snows or freezes. Spring and fall see a number of blue-sky days, but air pollution in Shanghai can be a problem. It's not as bad as some other cities in China, but those with sensitive lung... more >>

Known more for entertainment than the arts, Shanghai is doing its best to live up to its old reputation as the home of China's liveliest nightlife while also upping the ante in the cultural game. On the latter count, it will be a while before Shanghai catches up with Beijing, but when it comes to nightlife the city by the sea is hard to beat. Bars & Clubs Today you can find expats and nouveau riche Chinese alike partying like it's 1929, though the soundtrack is less jazz and more beats spun by globetrotting DJs. Nonetheless, jazz is resurgent, drawing on both history and the energy of young players. Rock clubs are increasingly commo... more >>

Some claim Shanghai ranks among the world's top food cities; others contend that the booming restaurant scene is more flash than substance. Whatever the case, it's a delicious question for which to seek an answer, and the fact alone that such an argument exists is telling. Shanghai residents—Chinese and expat alike—love to talk food as much as they love to eat it. And there's a lot to talk about: the best local street-side Shanghainese xiaolongbao or Xinjiang hand-pulled noodle shop; the place to find the tastiest Cantonese dim sum or fieriest Sichuan dishes; the best American burger joint; the most exquisite new fine-dining estab... more >>

Hong Kong has known human habitation since the Paleolithic era. The Qin Dynasty (221 BC -206 BC) brought it under its rule when it first unified China, and by the time of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) Hong Kong had become a significant trading and military outpost, benefiting from its strategic position near the Pearl River Delta and proximity to Guangzhou (Canton), where the British and European traders established a presence in the late seventeenth century. In 1841, the growing port of Hong ... more >>

Spring is cool and pleasant with average temperatures running between about 17 ºC and 23 ºC. Summer is hot and very humid, with average high temperatures from June through September running to 30 ºC (91ºF) and humidity that hovers around 90%. Typhoon season lasts May to September with frequent downpours. Fall brings mild weather with averages between the low to mid 20sºC (70s ºF) and clear skies. Winter is dry and can get chilly, averaging 17 ºC (62 ºF) with temperatures occasionally dipping into the mid-teens Centigrade (mid-50s ºF). The best time to visit Hong Kong is in the spring and fall, when... more >>

Hong Kong is a brilliant place for a vacation, offering everything from the utmost in cosmopolitan sophistication to quiet mountain trails and remote beaches, with some of the world's best shopping and dining thrown in for good measure. A night out in the neon city can take you to some of the ritziest clubs, hippest discos and most intriguing bars and clubs in China, not to mention some of the most enjoyable karaoke. As a city built on commerce, Hong Kong's reputation for culture has traditionally suffered somewhat; that's changing, however, as the city, once isolated from the mainland, now competes with Beijing, Shanghai and nearby Shenzh... more >>

If there's one thing Hong Kong residents like better than shopping, it's eating. Hong Kong's own cuisine is heavily influenced by Cantonese, with elements of regional Hakka cooking and other Chinese and Western styles added to the mix. The best place to start your exploration of Hong Kong cuisine is dim sum (also known as yum cha), whether for breakfast or lunch. Often selected tableside from carts, sometimes ordered from a menu card, dim sum features small portions of steamed or fried delicacies cooked and served in small bamboo steamers or presented on individual plates. Dim sum dishes include flaky turnip pastries, steamed shrimp dump... more >>

Some of China's earliest inhabitants lived in the Xi'an area over a million years ago, migrating along the Yellow River, which today forms the eastern border of Shaanxi. At least 500,000 years ago, proto-human Lantian Man was living in the vicinity of modern Xi'an; you can see the fossil evidence at the Shaanxi History Museum. The Banpo Museum presents finding from a Stone Age village dating back to 4500 BC. The Zhou (1055-771 BC) was the first dynasty to establish its capital in the area, r... more >>

Xi'an is situated in the Guanzhong Plain, bordered by the Qinling Mountains to the south and the Weihe River to the north. The geographic location helps define the city's four distinct seasons. Summers are usually warm and humid with occasional heavy rains, though the average temperature rarely rises above 85°F (30°C). Winters tend to be dry and windy with average temperatures around 35°F (2°C). Spring (May) and Fall (September) have the most pleasant weather. more >>

Thanks to the Terracotta Warriors and other ancient dynastic relics of the capital, Xi'an has become a huge tourist destination. The entertainment industry has grown accordingly. The large Muslim Hui Chinese population adds a distinct cultural twist to the otherwise Han city, and Xi'an's universities—popular with foreign students as well as Chinese—contribute to an up-to-date and fun nightlife scene. Recap a perfect day visiting the city's excellent sites and museums over a few drinks or catch a performance, whether traditional or contemporary, at one of a growing number of venues. Bars & Clubs The nightlife scene in Xi... more >>

For many Chinese tourists, it seems the highlight of a trip to Xi'an is less likely the Terracotta Warriors than a visit to one of the city's numerous snack shops or small ethnic restaurants. If you're new to the breadth and depth of China's various cuisines, expect some pleasant surprises. Xi'an's centuries-old Muslim culture has made great contributions to the local food scene, and excellent Islamic restaurants abound, with an especially large concentration on Damaishi Jie. It need not be a sit-down experience, however—some of the tastiest dishes are to be found in streetside stalls and small restaurants (you can always snack on a cum... more >>

Hangzhou has known centuries of wealth and high culture, profiting from the region's famous silks and teas. Hangzhou grew in political importance during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279 AD) after Jurchen invaders from present-day Mongolia ransacked the Song capital Kaifeng. Emperor Gaozong (1107-1187 AD) fled to Hangzhou, where he set up his new capital. The imperial court's patronage boosted Hangzhou's importance as a commercial hub and brought China's best scholars, artists and poets to th... more >>

Hangzhou experiences four distinct seasons with cold winters (average temperature of 3º C (37º F)) and hot summers (average of 29º C (84º F)). Summers are rainy through May-July and can grow exceedingly humid. Whatever the weather, Hangzhou paints a pretty picture. In the winter, light snow blankets stone brides and walkways and spring and summer bring blooms of flowers. The best time to visit Hangzhou is in the fall, when the weather cools and the rains decrease. more >>

West Lake transforms at night from placid to flashy, with waterside light shows and musical fountains. Despite the kitsch and fanfare, there are still plenty of secluded spots for contemplative or romantic interludes. In general, Hangzhou's nightlife is a far cry from that of nearby Shanghai, but you can easily find places for a drink, a dance and some music—and it's always pleasant to relax in a Hangzhou teahouse. Bars & Clubs Try tea and snack at Chenghaung Teahouse or the lakeside Hu Pan Ju Teahouse. If you're looking for a drink and some excitement, check out Paradise Rock, Lake of the Dream or a beer at the inevitable Iri... more >>

Popular throughout China, Zhejiang cuisine—named after the province in which Hangzhou lies—is considered to be one of China's eight great culinary traditions. Hangzhou's take on Zhejiang cuisine emphasizes fresh fish, chicken, ample use of tender bamboo shoots and Longjing tea marinade. Try local dishes like xihu cu yu ("West Lake Fish" prepared with vinegar), longjing xiaren (shrimp fried with Longjing tea), and the famous jiaohua ji ("Beggar's Chicken," stuffed chicken wrapped in lotus leaves and cooked in clay). Given the ever-increasing number of foreign tourists and the growing taste Chinese have for inter... more >>

First settled in 314 BC, Guilin was a self-governed community until 111 BC. City establishment began during the Han Dynasty under the Emperor Wu (140 BC-87 BC).  From the 7th to 13th centuries under the Tang and Song Dynasties the city acted as buffer zone between the Chinese heartlands and the southwestern border regions. Successive rulers garrisoned armies in the area and developed a network of canals to facilitate the distribution of food and supplies to the area below the Yangzi Rive... more >>

The best time of year to be in Guilin is between April and October. The subtropical climate makes for rain and humidity year round; summers are generally the wettest and lushest. Summers are also usually quite hot (averaging 28°C (83°F)). Expect frequent afternoon showers. Winter brings moderate temperatures (8°C (46°F)) and rain. Towards the end of the spring, through summer and into early fall are when Guilin is at its greenest and when the Li River waters run their highest and clearest. Keep in mind when exploring the area that heavy rains can fall at any time, causing flash flooding and loosening soil, making things slippe... more >>

Situated on the scenic Li River amid the distinctive towering green karst peaks made famous by centuries of Chinese landscape paintings, Guilin is best for outdoors activities on and around the river. After a day of exploring the natural wonders surrounding the city, there are also plenty of things to do in town for fun and entertainment.  Bars & Clubs  As the sun sets, Guilin takes on an elegant charm, with city lights reflecting on the water beneath the karst peaks looming in the distance. Take advantage of the view from the water by boarding the Li River Yinzuo Ferry, an evening boat with ballroom dancing, a bar and kar... more >>

Guilin is famous for their use of chili, garlic and sweet sauces in their cuisine. For breakfast most of the locals feast on Guilin noodles, a smooth, soft, bright white noodle made from rice. A favorite protein among the locals is horse meat (marou) which is frequently added to noodle dishes, rice, or eaten on its own in a spicy sauce or barbequed. Fresh water fish, seafood and snake from the Li River often appears in Guilin's local cuisine. Steamed Mandarin fish and stewed fresh water clams are very popular dishes. A new and highly regarded restaurant serving delicious local cuisine at reasonable prices is Taste Made Restaurant (Wei Dao Zhi... more >>

Setting aside the story of the five immortals who long ago descended upon the site of Guangzhou on rams and planted sheaves of grain in the name of peace, the city's history begins some time in the 3rd century B.C. Originally known as Panyu, the city quickly became a key trading center, with visiting merchants arriving from distant lands as far-flung as Rome showing up in the historical record as early as the 2nd century A.D. By the 8th century, Middle Eastern traders had es... more >>

Guangzhou has a subtropical climate, is warm year 'round and experiences distinct rainy and dry seasons. May through August is very wet with daily rains and temperatures in the lower 30sºC (upper 80sºF). Fall and spring are drier and quite pleasant. The coldest temperatures bottom out in January and February around 10ºC at night (low 50sºF). more >>

Guangzhou's nightlife is growing, as more and more bars, pubs, clubs and cafes pop up. Many new arrivals on the scene strike something of a Western pose, but the dominant notes are Guangzhou all the way. Get a room in a KTV joint and sing your heart out, head to a "hot and loud" Cantonese eatery and take your time dining and drinking, hit a club for pounding international DJ beats, hit an opening at a hip unmarked art space or take in a traditional Cantonese opera... the choices are many and seem to be multiplying every day.  If you just want to bar hop, try the Baietan Bar Street in the Fangcun District (you can take the... more >>

The Cantonese are famous for their food, from dim sum to... just about anything and everything.  Huge meals consisting of a veritable parade of small dishes are the Cantonese ideal, with both famliar and less-familiar once-living things filling plates and stomachs, including a variety of amphibians, reptiles and insects on the menu. Funny thing is, bugs and snakes generally taste great swimming in delicious sauces—it's just that many of us can't get over the initial shock of eating animals we might expect to see in a zoo but not on a menu. Generally, it's worth trying almost anything, but do note that unscrupulous (... more >>

The administrative seat of several ancient kingdoms, Chengdu has a 2,300-year history as an important center of study and trade. In the early fourth century BC, the ancient Shu state established a capital in today's Chengdu. The conquering Qin State (778-207 BC) enlarged the city, adding an impressive wall. During the Western Han Dynasty (206-225 BC), the city was called Jincheng (Brocade City) after its thriving silk brocade industry. Once the Han Dynasty fell, giving way to the bloody Three Ki... more >>

Chengdu experiences pleasant springs, hot and humid summers, cool autumns and temperate but damp winters (averaging 5 ºC/41 ºF). July and August can be uncomfortable, with temperatures reaching 35 ºC (95 ºF). In the heat of the summer, many locals seek relief in weekend mountain retreats or venture out after sunset to do business, shop and eat. Summer also sees periods of heavy rain. The best time to visit Chengdu is between March and June or between September and November when it's cooler and less rainy. One explanation for the locals' love of hot and spicy food is that the chilies and pepper help the body cope with the d... more >>

The teahouse has long been the heart of cultural life in Chengdu—a place to relax, chat, play games, enjoy performances by local musicians and singers and, of course, linger over hot tea and light Sichuan fare. Today's Chengdu retains a healthy traditional teahouse culture and complements it with a growing nightlife scene and contemporary performance, art and exhibition spaces. Add a busy annual schedule of festivals and special events and there's plenty to do in Chengdu.   Clubs & Bars   The teahouse is the place to meet friends, play cards, people-watch, catch some Sichuan opera, chat or while a few hours away over a... more >>

Think Chengdu food and think hot and hotter. Chengdu's cuisine doesn't skimp on the local chilies, nor does it go light on mouth-numbing Sichuan peppercorns. Locals claim the sweat-inducing dishes cool the body in the summer and warm it in the winter and Chinese tradition says chili protects you from illnesses and infection—medicine never tasted so good. If you're not into the heat, there's plenty to eat that's gentle on the taste buds.   If you do like it spicy, be sure to try gongbao jiding, chicken and peanuts served with chili, and mapo doufu, spicy tofu with minced beef and dry chilies. Milder options include fish dishes, wh... more >>

Qingdao was little more than a fishing village in a scenic bay before the end of the 19th century. By 1891, the Manchu Qing Dynasty had decided to exploit the bay's strategic position and turn it into a naval base, but the tragic farce of the Boxer Rebellion unleashed a series of events that would deliver Qingdao to the Germans, eager for a stake in East Asia. The Boxers consisted of Chinese who'd had enough of seeing their country pushed around by European colonial powers while th... more >>

Qingdao enjoys coastal weather—mild and moist—with summer months in the mid- to upper 20sº C (upper 70s to mid-80sº F). January is the coldest month with the temperature hovering around freezing. June and July are the rainy months and August brings warm water temperatures perfect for swimming at the beach. The transitional seasons of spring and fall are very pleasant. more >>

Qingdao will keep you busy all day and all night if you want. A large expat community supports a surprising number of bars and nightclubs, which should help you unwind from a long day of lounging on the beach, trekking up a mountain or taking in a few museums. Bars & Clubs The nightlife in Qingdao can be found congregated around the "Central" part of town—the newer business district in the east. The Shangri-La Lobby Lounge and Corner Jazz Club have live music and curiosity might force you to check out the Beatles-themed Lennon Club, pasted with paraphernalia. The best place to find out about Qingdao's daytime and noc... more >>

Qingdao is all about seafood. Many seafood restaurants are of menuless, point-at-the-aquarium and pick your dinner affairs, so there's never any doubt about freshness. The marine cuisine extends beyond fish to oysters, lobsters, sea cucumbers, conches and just about anything else that lives in the ocean. The regional cuisine itself features the salty and tangy flavors of soy sauce, shallots and garlic, which complement fish handsomely and also work wonderfully with veggies and soups. Being a port city, Qingdao also imports flavors from all over. Korean food—especially barbecue—is easy to find, as is Japanese (with lots of creat... more >>

Over the years, Dalian's strategic Yellow Sea port location has been a mixed blessing. It's made it one of China's most prosperous cities as well as a battleground for warring nations scrapping for control of the resource-rich region.  After having grown into a modest port with light defenses and a small mining industry during the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the city gained in strategic importance with the British occupation from 1858 to mid 1880s, which was followed by a period of&nb... more >>

Dalian is at its best between April and October. August is its hottest month, with daily average temperatures rarely falling below 24º C (75º F) and highs that reach 35º C (95º F). January is the coldest, averaging -5º C (23º F) with lows as cold as -24º C (-11º F). The peninsular city is consistently breezy to windy, with the ocean air keeping the air moist and fresh. About 60 to 70% of the annual rainfall occurs during summer rainstorms, with spring and summer often suffering from prolonged dry spells. more >>

Dalian's green spaces and clean air are conducive to a number of festivals, as well as popular tourist-orientated activities including zoos, aquariums and water parks. Festivals No matter what when you visit something is bound to be happening in Dalian. Fireworks displays take place on Chinese New Year, May 1 and October 1. The Lotus Flower Festival, Walking Festival and International Marathon all take place in June, with the Dalian International Beer Festival bridging July and August. August also sees the Dalian International Auto Show, with the Dalian International Fashion Week brightening up September. ... more >>

Dalian is famous for the freshness of its seafood and fruit, so sit back and eat scallops. And as seafood is the main content of Dalian cuisine, many of the restaurants will have aquariums where you can choose the lucky victim for your plate. The city has a bit of everything from pizza joints, little cafes to strip-mall food courts, curry houses. If you are dining on a budget, the cheaper places are up on Youhao Lu. The New Market Shopping Mall has an enormous food court where you can eat to your heart's content on dishes ranging in price between 4-9 RMB. For good and modestly priced seafood, try Tian Tian Yu Gang. Although ... more >>